Bill > SB6200

This bill establishes new rights for renters and mobile home occupants regarding the installation of portable cooling devices, such as air conditioners or portable heat pumps, which are defined as devices that cool the air and can be moved or are designed to sit on the floor or be mounted in a window. Landlords are generally prohibited from preventing tenants from installing these devices or charging fees for their use, inspection, or installation, though they can charge for renting a device or for damages caused by its use. However, landlords can restrict or prohibit installation if the dwelling already has a functional heat pump, if the device violates laws or manufacturer safety guidelines, would cause unreasonable damage, or requires electrical capacity beyond what the building can provide. Specific restrictions apply to window-mounted devices, such as if they obstruct emergency exits, compromise window security, require excessive hardware that could damage the property, cannot be secured safely, or if the landlord's insurance policy prohibits them, provided the tenant is properly notified. Tenants must give landlords at least two days' notice before installing a window-mounted device, and landlords are not liable for damages or injuries caused by tenant-installed devices, nor are they responsible for electrical interruptions not caused by them. Landlords must inform tenants of these rules in their lease agreements and disclose any insurance restrictions on window-mounted devices, with ongoing notification of any policy changes. The bill also amends existing law concerning mobile home parks to include similar prohibitions against landlords restricting the installation of portable cooling devices, with comparable exceptions.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6200&Year=2025&Initiative=false